The third annual Cardboard Boat Races at Brockport High School photo by Caurie Putnam

The bleachers at the Brockport High School swimming pool were filled to capacity on Thursday, December 16th for the school’s 3rd annual Cardboard Boat Races.

The races, which were founded by technology teacher Marc Palmer, aim to increase STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) awareness and participation by all students – not just those in the tech program – via some wet and wild fun.

Students that participate (this year there were about 25) are presented with the task of building a boat out of cardboard that will support their weight during a series of races in the pool. The last boat standing – I mean floating – is the winner.

“I started it to give students outside of our technical program a chance to utilize their STEM skills,” said Palmer, who has seen participation grow each year – especially in terms of kids coming to the pool to watch the races. This year approximately 200 students spent their advisement period poolside to take in the action – sinking boats, festive costumes, and flailing arms.

The winners of this years race were exactly the type of students Palmer envisioned benefiting from the event when he started it three years ago. Freshman Ben Han and Devin Johnston are not part of the tech. program. They heard about the event over the morning announcements and said “Let’s do it.”

It took Han and Johnston about three hours to build their boat at home. Their materials were cardboard, caulk sealant, saran wrap, packing tape, and duct tape.

Their winning secret: layers. They sealed the cardboard numerous times with a layered pattern of the various tapes.

While the duo built their boat they ate snacks and listened to Carlos Santana – hence the name of their vessel “The Carlos Santana.”

The winning boat "The Carlos Santana" photo by Caurie Putnam

“We did it just for fun and something to do,” Han said. “We never expected to win. We thought we would win the Titanic Award [the biggest sinker] It’s really cool The Carol Santana actually won.”

Freshman Tom Redick also participated in the event. His boat was one of the first to sink, but he was still happy he participated.

“I learned a lot,” Redick said. “I thought you could just tape some cardboard together and it would float. But it takes thought. You need to use the scientific method.”

Oh, the scientific method!

Palmer is totally onto something.

Leave a Reply

Caurie Putnam I'm proud to have called Brockport my home for the past 15 years. I love it because it has a small town feel, but the presence of SUNY Brockport adds a small city flavor. I moved to Brockport after graduating from the University of Rochester to cover the community as a reporter for Messenger Post Newspapers. I grew up in Connecticut and Washington County, NY but fell in love with Brockport and decided to raise my family here. I am a single mom to two busy little boys who take after their busy Mommy! I am also a freelance writer for The Democrat and Chronicle and several other publications in western New York. My Brockport activities include: The Brockport Moms Club, Brockport PTSA, JJ's Angels, The Brockport Blizzards, and Tri-County Youth Hockey. As the Brockport Blogger, my goal is to bring you positive, family centered, community news and photos. Brockport is the hidden gem of Monroe County and I love to shine it up. Please send ideas, press releases, and feedback to Caurie at caurie@urgrad.rochester.edu You can also follow me on Twitter at @CauriePutnam